Megg's Blog

Echota and Why I Chose to Work Here

Megg Henry (Foscoe Realty) — Fri, 23 May 2008 08:27:18 -0500

About 6 months ago I made a change in offices. I think the biggest reason was that I was just looking for a change. I am sure many have experienced that feeling one or twice in their life. One great thing about being Self Employed is the opportunity to be able to makes changes.

We moved here about 2 years ago now and I can frankly say, "I love the High Country of Western North Carolina."

So Why ECHOTA and Foscoe Realty. Echota is in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is blessed with some absolutely stunning views. This region, the North Carolina High Country, is a growing destination of choice for vacationers and retirees. The 400 families who have discovered what a special place Echota is indeed.

I have found Echota to be special in many ways. I love the people, the positive energy as well as incredible property and ammenities. The community's clubhouse, exercise facility, health spa and indoor pool accentuate the air of comfort and relaxation found in this special place...

The land surrounding ECHOTA has been environmentally preserved with a private conservation area.

Experience the heart of ECHOTA in this short video!

Soft Markets - Hmmm not so much here

Megg Henry (Foscoe Realty) — Fri, 23 May 2008 06:42:01 -0500

I have to say that at least here in the High Country of Western North Carolina - Gas prices are not the only thing going up!

I read the paper and watch the news and hear about other markets BUT, as crazy as it may sound, there is a strong segment of the market here that continues to rise. Here is an interesting note: the home my husband and I live in increase from $375,000 to $425,000 from April 07 to April 08!

Now I might not be a math major but... that is a pretty solid increase in value if you ask me.

There are pockets of homes that are down in this area - but the sales in the $650,000 to $1 Million range range don't seem to be slowing down.

Anyone got a crystal ball for sale - sure would like to see what the next year will bring!

Know anyone looking to escape to great views, peace, and tranquility?

Mast General Store Annex - Meet the Upper Watauga Riverkeeper

Megg Henry (Foscoe Realty) — Thu, 22 May 2008 22:05:43 -0500

Meet Donna Lisenby the new Upper Watauga Riverkeeper on Saturday, May 24th at The Mast General Store Annex in Valle Crucis, North Carolina. She will be available to answer questions and give much more information from 11 a.m. -3p.m. during the kickoff event to the Take it Outside series at the Annex.

From the headwaters on the slopes of Grandfather Mountain to the Watauga Lake Dam on the Tennessee border, the Upper Watauga River is one of Western North Carolina's treasures. The Watauga, a Cherokee word meaning "beautiful river," begins its westward flow to the Gulf of Mexico in Watauga County, North Carolina. A fast growing area in the Carolina Mountains, Watauga County is experiencing increased development that could impact the future of the Upper Watauga River. Unmonitored, this development could cause higher flooding events and more intense low water droughts. In the past, the health of the river was left to chance, but that is about to change with the addition of a Riverkeeper to protect the future of the Upper Watauga River.

Donna Lisenby comes to her new position as the Upper Watauga Riverkeeper from a similar position on the Catawba River, which flows through North and South Carolina. Donna, a South Carolina native and Clemson University graduate, is committed to "building sustainable relationships between people and Earth."

Donna began her mission as the Catawba Riverkeeper in 1998 with responsibility for all 300 miles of the river. Along with a network of trained volunteers, she monitored water quality and enforced environmental laws, among other tasks. Being the voice of the Catawba had many challenges but did not go unnoticed. Donna was named as the "1999 Guardian of the Environment" by The Charlotte Observer and received three "Best of Charlotte" awards for "Best Effort to Improve the Environment." In speaking of Donna, Hickory, North Carolina Mayor Rudy Wright said "She has been an advocate and a spokesman for what I consider the most endangered river in America."

Permission to reprint this information has been given by Mast General Store Webmaster - Bob.

The Legend of the Blowing Rock

Megg Henry (Foscoe Realty) — Thu, 22 May 2008 22:02:24 -0500

Most people don't know the Legend or how unique the Blowing Rock actually is -My husband and I visited when we first moved to the area. the view are quite spectacular.

from what we understand the Legend come somerhing like this:

The Legend

It is said that a Chickasaw chieftan, afraid of a white man's admiration for his daughter, journeyed far from the plains to bring her to The Blowing Rock and the care of a squaw mother. One day the maiden, daydreaming on the craggy cliff, spied a Cherokee brave wandering in the wilderness far below and playfully shot an arrow in his direction. The flirtation worked because soon he appeared before her wigwam, courted her with songs of his land and they became lovers.

One day a reddening of the sky brought the brave and the maiden to The Blowing Rock. The brave viewed this as a sign of trouble commanding his return to his tribe in the plains. With the maiden's begging and pleading for him not to leave her, the brave, torn by conflict of duty and heart, leaped from The Rock into the wilderness far below. The grief-stricken maiden prayed daily to the Great Spirit until one evening with a reddening sky, a gust of wind blew her lover back onto The Rock and into her arms. From that day a perpetual wind has blown up onto The Rock from the valley below. For people of other days, at least, this was explanation enough for The Blowing Rock's mysterious winds causing even the snow to fall upside down.

How The Blowing Rock Got Its Name...

The Blowing Rock is an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level, (see photo of my crazy husband on the Rock) overhanging Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below. The phenomenon is so called because the rocky walls of the gorge form a flume through which the northwest wind sweeps with such force that it returns light objects cast over the void.

The current of air flowing upward from The Rock prompted the Ripley's "Believe-It-Or-Not" cartoon about "the only place in the world where snow falls upside down." Visible from "The Rock" down the gorge to the southwest are Hawksbill Mountain and Table Rock. To the west are Grandfather Mountain (the highest peak in the Blue Ridge chain) and Mount Mitchell (the highest peak east of the Rockies).

Here is a shot we took of the view.

On the ledge of the blowing Rock

SPRING TIME IN BLOWING ROCK, NC

Megg Henry (Foscoe Realty) — Sat, 10 May 2008 12:01:14 -0500

Springtime in the High Country

Life in the High Country is "Springing" into action and the action will be Non -Stop all summer long!

Check out all of the great events and start planning your adventure now!

ART IN THE PARK - Saturdays - 10:00A to 5:00P - May 17th, June 14th, July 19th, August 16th, September 13th, October 4th. Learn More

SUNDAY CONCERT in THE PARK SERIES --
Cans and Pans
May 18, 2008
4 - 5:30 PM
Memorial Park Downtown
Great warm weather with the sounds of the Caribbean! The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce is delighted to present the Ashe County High School Steel Drum Band, "Cans and Pans," at Sunday Concert in the Park. Free to the Public.

Come to the Farmers Market

Megg Henry (Foscoe Realty) — Sat, 10 May 2008 11:57:56 -0500

Come Visit the Farmers Market

I love going to the farmers Market on Saturday mornings. The Watauga Farmers market has been in operation since 1974, and is located at the Horn In The West in Boone, North Carolina. Horn in the West can be acccessed from either 321 across from Blockbuster or from 105 bypass next to First Citizens Bank.

Once you go you will be hooked and you will see why the market is a direct link between our local farmers and the consumer. The variety of fresh veggie's, Goat Cheese, fresh baked breads and muffins as well as Local Crafts make this a trip worth the time! The members of the farmers' market are proud of the high quality products they sell.

We hope you will enjoy coming to the market as much as we do!
The market is open from 8:00AM to Noon Saturdays - May 3-October 25, 2008 Wednesdays - June 18-September 10, 2008

For more information please visit: http://wataugacountyfarmersmarket.org/

Elk Creek Mountain, Todd NC

Megg Henry (Foscoe Realty) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 23:12:50 -0600

Mountain Community. Elk Creek Mountain at Todd is a 284 acre protected community that rises to 4,620 feet, with generous homesites folded among the towering vintage, hardwood trees and opening to some of the most incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains found.

Behind a gated entrance, residents enjoy private walking and hiking trails, protected common areas, a picnic shelter, a stocked fishing pond and other amenities. With only 97 homesites spread across 284 acres, the quiet is preserved, the peacefulness is protected; you can hear the birds sing and you can see the sunlight filtering through the trees.

The historic quaint town of Todd is at your doorstep. So is the New River (one of the world's oldest). Boone is just down the road. The drive from Charlotte or Winston-Salem is about as easy as it gets.

Elk Creek Mountain properties towers over most mountain peaks in the vicinity. The views don't stop. But the hectic pace of workday life can slow considerably. For privileged homeowners, Elk Creek Mountain is a paradise for relaxing retreats.

So ownership within Elk Creek Mountain at Todd is much more than location. It is year-round discovery, continual enjoyment, a luxurious mountain retreat in which you relax, regroup, collect your thoughts, gather your clan, invite your friends and become immersed in old fashioned Appalachian mountain lifestyle. Your way.